How to Break When Shooting Pool

Make a great first impression - and maybe even intimidate your opponents - with a great break.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bridges For Pool
• Cue Stick Chalk
• Pool Balls
• Pool Cue Carrying Cases
• Pool Cues
• Pool Table Covers
• Pool Table Horsehair Brushes
• Pool Tables
• Pool Triangles

1. Rack the balls.

2. Put the cue ball behind the head string.

3. Hold the cue stick comfortably and aim the cue ball at the first ball in the rack. Some people prefer to shoot slightly to one side of that ball.

4. Use a smooth, direct stroke and hit the cue ball at or just above the center (too low will send the ball off the table).

5. Keep the cue stick level as you follow through.

Tips & Warnings

• A break is generally not legal if a ball doesn't fall into a pocket or at least four balls (besides the cue ball) don't hit the rails. This is considered a foul, and the next player may play with the balls as they lie or rerack them and either break himself or offer the break to the original player.
• A foul is called if the cue ball falls into a pocket or bounces off the table. The next player has the cue ball in hand and may place it anywhere on the table.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

on 9/16/2006 Use top spin on the cue (hit it high) to keep forward momentum on the cue ball after it contacts with the rack! This will give you a good break and set you up better!

on 8/8/2006 Want to make a ball 75% of the time or better on your break? Here is how:
1. Using the first diamond on the bottom rail, place the cue ball evenly with the first diamond on the side rail.
2. Using a bottom English (just below center), strike the cue ball with a strong stroke.
3. Aim for the center of the head ball.
4. Either of the two bottom row balls on the corners, will shoot in the corner pockets 75% of the time.

***It is important you hit the center of the head ball.***

on 8/8/2006 Due to more movement and energy transfer between each ball, balls break up more when when racked with slight spaces between them.

on 12/13/2005 Place your cue ball as far to either side of table behind the line. Striking the third ball with low left English not only moves the eight out toward the side pocket, but increases your chance of pocketing a ball. Averaging 4-5 pocketing a ball comes in very handy when your playing someone that may not give you a shot without it. Be careful to hit the third ball square or you will likely scratch... which is equally as bad! Lastly, always be certain you are given a tight rack.

on 11/22/2005 When breaking, be sure you are taking enough of a swing to transfer good power and speed to the cueball. I generally set the cueball a good 16" from the rail, use a bumper bridge, and swing through the cueball with power. Your odds of sinking a ball on the break are greatly enhanced when all of the balls in the rack are moving! -Bob